Thankful - Day Nine

When I first started fostering, I knew absolutely nothing and absolutely no one in the crazy world of Foster/Adopt Land.  I am a planner.  I like to prepare.  So one of the very first things I did was start this blog, and began to desperately search high and low for other foster family bloggers in order to get some realistic idea of what I was willingly getting myself into. 

Day Nine:

Today, I am extremely thankful for you!  My online foster family friends...

Over the past three years, I have "met" an amazing group of women who have proven to be a constant support system, a sounding board on those days when I just need to vent, and a daily inspiration to me throughout this journey. 

There's just something about being able to talk to a group of people who completely understand what you're going through because they have been there themselves.  I can say just about anything, and you all just "get it."  You understand all about the conflicting emotions involved when you are fostering, but want to ultimately adopt.  You "get it" when I say that I want Monkey to have more visits with his parents in one breath, and "I'm his Mama" in the next.  You know exactly what it feels like to love these kids so much that you will let them go. 

You know when I need a virtual hug, a good laugh, or a "OMG!  I can totally top that one!" story.  It's always nice to know you're not alone, and being able to follow along in your journeys...  To hear your thoughts and feelings about your own experiences...  To share all of the ups and the downs that foster care inevitably brings with each of you has helped me in more ways than I can say.

I have learned so much from all of you, and I can't thank you ladies enough for all of your support, the camaraderie, the laughs, and your friendships.  I am so grateful for the online friendships that I have made over the past three years!  Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you!!!  I wouldn't have maintained what little shred of sanity that remains without you!  :-)